The Souls of Black People is a classic work of American literature, a seminal work in the history of sociology, and a cornerstone in the history of African-American literature. Originally published in 1903, it is a study of race, culture, and education in the early twentieth century. With his unique combination of essay, memory, and fiction, he catapulted Du Bois to the forefront of American political commentary and civil rights activism. It is a passionate and harrowing account of the situation of African Americans in the United States, which develops a forceful defense of their access to higher education and memorably extols the achievements of black culture. It is one of the first works of what was later called black protest literature. Du Bois played a key role in the strategy and program that dominated the black demands of the early twentieth century in the United States. The pub...read more
